OTTAWA, Sept. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, will attend a screening of the film Us and Them, an inspiring documentary about the realities of homelessness in Canada. The filmmaker, Krista Loughton, will also be in attendance.After the screening of the film, Krista Loughton will respond to questions from the audience.Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

DATE: Tuesday, September 26, 2017

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

PLACE: Impact Hub Ottawa 123 Slater Street, 6th Floor Ottawa, Ontario

Follow us on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/@Jobs_Emplois

SOURCE Employment and Social Development CanadaFor further information:(media only): Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

This information is being distributed to you by CNW Group Ltd. 88 Queens Quay West, Suite 3000 Toronto ON M5J 0B8www.newswire.ca 2017 CNW Group Ltd, all rights reserved

The Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut Sign a Bilateral Agreement on Early Learning and Child Care

The Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut sign a bilateral agreement on early learning and child care

More spaces, professional development opportunities and focus on Nunavut's official languagesIQALUIT, Sept. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is making significant investments in early learning and child care systems to improve the lives of Canadian children and their families. Today, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Adam Vaughan, the Parliamentary Secretary and the Honourable Paul Aarulaaq Quassa, Minister of Education, announced a three-year bilateral agreement that reaffirms their commitment and support of the unique early learning and child care needs of Nunavut.

The agreement allocates just over$7 million, over three years, to Nunavut for early learning and child care investments. The territory`s funding will focus on earlylearning and child care programs and services to support parents, families, and communities to ensure the best possible future for children in the territory.This announcement follows a historic agreement, made on June 12, 2017 by Federal-Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care on a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework. The Framework sets the foundation for governments to work towards a shared long-term vision where all children across Canada can experience the enriching environment of quality early learning and child care. The Framework principles include increasing the quality, accessibility, affordability, flexibility, and inclusivity of early learning and child care, with consideration for families that need child care the most.The bilateral agreement is another step to help ensure that Nunavut children get the best start in life and is supported by long-term Government of Canada investments in early learning and child care announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017, totalling $7.5 billion over 11 years.

Quotes

"The development of early learning and child care systems is one of the best investments our government is making to strengthen Canadian families, society and the economy. Through the agreement signed with the Government of Nunavut, we will be able to better support parents, families and communities in their efforts to offer their children the best possible future."– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development"The Nunavut Department of Education believes in the positive outcomes associatedwith access to Early Learning and Child Care programs and services. This partnership sets the framework for our governments to work toward a shared long-term vision; one where all young Nunavummiut can have the best possible start in life, and allow them to reach their full potential." – The Honourable Paul Aarulaaq Quassa, Minister of Education

Quick Facts

Federal Budgets 2016 and 2017 proposed to invest $7.5 billion over 11 years, starting in 2017-2018, to support and create more high-quality, affordable child care across the country, particularly for families more in need. Of this investment:$95 million will go towards closing data gaps to better understand what child care looks like in Canada and track progress;$100 million will go towards early learning and child care innovation; anda portion will be dedicated to strengthening culturally appropriate early learning and child care for Indigenous children.The federal government will work with each province and territory to enter into three-year bilateral agreements that will address the early learning and child care needs unique to its jurisdiction and funding allocation.Through the bilateral agreements, the Government of Canada will provide provinces and territories with $1.2 billion, over the next three years, for early learning and child care programs. Governments will report annually on progress made in relation to the Framework and bilateral agreements.The Department of Education has developed a three-year action plan that identifies four areas for further investment to fit within the parameters of the funding set by the Multilateral Framework. They are:Top-up funding to assist all licensed childcare facilities to help with operations and maintenance costs and as well as maintaining or lowering parental fees.Create child care spaces in underserved communities and re-open previously closed facilities.Territory-wide professional development in early learning and child care and financialliteracy.Programming resources and training to develop standardized language and culturally-based program material for facilities.

CANADA–NUNAVUT EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE AGREEMENTOn June 12, 2017, Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care signed a Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This is a significant milestone in which governments agree to work together to address some of the key early learning and child care issues across the country.Governments will work towards achieving the shared long-term vision of the Framework where all children across Canada can experience the enriching environment of quality early learning and child care. They have committed to increase the quality, accessibility, affordability, flexibility and inclusivity of early learning and child care with consideration for families that need child care the most.The implementation of this framework, and a separate Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework to be co-developed with Indigenous peoples, is supported by federal investments announced in Budgets 2016 and 2017, totaling $7.5 billion over 11 years. Through bilateral agreements, the Government of Canada will provide provinces and territories with $1.2 billion, over three years, that outline the unique early learning and child care needs that will be addressed and funding allocation for each jurisdiction.The Governments of Canada and Nunavut have signed an early learning and child care bilateral agreement. Through this bilateral agreement, the Government of Nunavut will receive just over $7 million, over three years, for investments towards operations and maintenance funding, creation of child care spaces in underserved communities, greater training and professional development opportunities of the early learning and child care workforce and the development of learning and teaching resources and programming materials in all of Nunavut's official languages.By the end of the three-year agreement, this funding will:ensure that early learning and child care programs are of high quality;support the training and professional development of the early learning and child care workforce;support the delivery of early learning and child care programming in every community;acknowledge and recognize the importance of early learning and child care and its educators; andpromote and resource early learning and child care to enable and support greater use of Inuktut.

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs), and Paul Quassa, Minister of Education and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Aggu, will make an announcement regarding early learning and child care.The announcement will be made on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.A photo opportunity and media availability will follow.Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration Build on the Success of Canada’s Shared Immigration System

Federal-Provincial-Territorial Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration build on the success of Canada’s shared immigration system

September 15, 2017- Toronto, ON — The Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met to reflect on Canada’s immigration system. To make progress on Canada’s Vision Action Plan for 2016-2019, all Ministers agreed to work in partnership to ensure a fast, flexible, and efficient economic immigration system; strategic immigration levels planning; and effective settlement and integration supports for newcomers. This work will further Canada’s legacy as a diverse, inclusive and welcoming country.

Ministers highlighted the critical importance of a pan-Canadian approach to dealing with the current influx of asylum seekers, including enhanced intergovernmental collaboration to support orderly migration and scenarios planning, while protecting Canada’s border and the safety and security of Canadians. Given the growing influx of asylum seekers to Canada, Ministers articulated that, while Canada is an open and welcoming country, people must use the proper channels to come to Canada and could face significant risks entering Canada through irregular means. While anyone who claims asylum in Canada has the right to due process, Ministers stressed that there are no guarantees that an asylum seeker will be allowed to stay in Canada at the end of that process.

Ministers reached consensus on the importance of multi-year levels planning and increasing immigration levels to help meet Canada’s labour market needs, address demographic changes, and generate long-term economic growth. A multi-year approach to levels planning would provide increased certainty and help inform long-term planning. Ministers reiterated support for Canada’s international obligations and humanitarian tradition with respect to refugees.

Enhanced collaboration across governments is needed to support the delivery of high-quality settlement services and successful outcomes for all newcomers. To this end, Ministers agreed to strengthen partnerships and explore new models for collaboration. It was agreed that an important piece of this work will be the development of a federal-provincial-territorial plan to clarify how settlement priorities are set, and how information is shared among all orders of government.

Ministers also discussed issues related to the federal Excessive Demand policy, and committed to continue the dialogue so that the policy continues to recognize the need to protect health, education and social services, while treating applicants fairly.

Ministers discussed the promotion of Francophone immigration to communities outside of Québec with the goal of increasing Francophone immigration. Building on the momentum that was established in Moncton earlier this year, Ministers look forward to meeting with Francophonie ministers in 2018 in Ontario to assess progress.

Quotes from the Federal and Provincial-Territorial Co-chair Ministers:

“Canada has welcomed generations of newcomers who have contributed to Canada’s well-being, economic prosperity, competitiveness, and success as a nation. We are committed to ensuring that newcomers, including refugees, integrate and contribute fully to the Canadian economy and society. We continue to help newcomers find jobs and make lasting connections within their communities.” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and federal co-chair of the Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration.

“Provinces and territories continue to play an important role in building an immigration system that supports the diverse economic and labour market needs of all regions of Canada and that meets our international humanitarian obligations. We are committed to maintaining an open dialogue and working togetherto achieve our shared immigration objectives in building a stronger, more prosperousand united Canada.” said Ian Wishart, Manitoba Minister of Education and Training and provincial-territorial co-chair of the Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration.

Note: As requested by the Government of Quebec, the Quebec Minister Responsible for Immigration holds observer status on the FPT Ministers’ Table. Under the Canada-Québec Accord relating to immigration and temporary admission of aliens, Québec fully assumes sole responsibility for establishing immigration levels,and for the selection, francization and integration of immigrants. In areas under its responsibility, Québec develops its policies and programs, legislates, regulates and sets its own standards.

Forest Iindustry and Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Open Applications for Sixth Annual Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth

Forest industry and Canadian Council of Forest Ministers open applications for sixth annual Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth

OTTAWA, Sept. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) are proud to open applications for the sixth annual Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth program.Since 2012, the Skills Award for Aboriginal Youth has been recognizing exceptional Aboriginal youth who go above and beyond to support their communities and contribute to the forest sector. In 2015, FPAC partnered with CCFM to expand the program and offer two awards.The two awards, each worth $2500, will honour First Nations, Métis or Inuit individuals with strong academic standing who are committed to their field of study and to pursuing a career in the forest sector."Aboriginal governments, communities, businesses and individuals play a huge role inthe success of the forest sector" says Derek Nighbor, CEO, FPAC. "We must encourage youth to continue fostering relationships between communities and industry for the benefit of Canada's forests for generations to come.""The participation of Indigenous youth in the forest industry is paramount to its continued success" says the Honourable James Carr, Minister of Natural Resources. "I encourage all Indigenous youth with a passion and commitment to forestry to apply and participate in the forest industry's continued development. Together, I know that we can achieve great things."Nominations for the annual Skills Awards for Aboriginal Youth will be open until October 31, 2017. The two awards will be presented at the Conference Board's National Summit on Indigenous Youth and Natural Resource Development on November 21-22 in Calgary.Information on how to apply is available at http://www.fpac.ca/aboriginal/skills-award/.

FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $67-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada's GDP and operates in over 600 communities, providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.Follow us on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Meet to Advance the Social Well-Being of Canadian Seniors

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors meet to advance the social well-being of Canadian Seniors

ST. JOHN'S, Sept. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - Federal, provincial and territorial governments are working together to support present and future generations of older Canadians in meaningful ways.Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development for Newfoundland and Labrador, co-chaired the 18th meeting of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum. The Forum met to review progress on current work, discuss new and emerging jurisdictional issues, and reaffirm the value of the Forum itself as an important mechanism for sharing information, facilitating collaboration across jurisdictions and applying a "seniors lens" to key policy issues.The meeting included discussions about further advancing policy work through collaborative projects and establishing common priorities for action over the upcoming years. These new priorities reflect the Forum's commitment to ensure the well-being and the full inclusion of seniors in society. Accordingly, the Forum will focus on: the role of accessible and affordable housing and community supports in facilitating aging at home and in community; the socio-economic impact of ageism and ways to address it; and the labour market participation of an aging workforce.The senior population is larger than ever before. This is creating opportunities for all governments to place value and build on the contributions that our seniors have made, and continue to make, to our communities, our workplaces and our families. The Forum is key to helping governments keep abreast of issues important to seniors. The ministers will reconvene in late 2018 for the 19th Meeting of FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors.All governments contribute to the FPT Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum by sharing information, expertise and innovative practices. However, Quebec does not subscribe to pan-Canadian approaches with reference to seniors as it intends to continue to fulfill its responsibilities to seniors in Quebec.

Quotes

"The aging Canadian population is expected to present significant social and economic changes over the next decades. Our collective challenge will be to figure out how we can tap into the experience, skills and knowledge of this older generation so that they can continue to live well, to the benefit of our society in the future. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of ongoing collaboration with provinces and territories in supporting and promoting seniors' economic and social inclusion."– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development"The discussions with my provincial, territorial and federal colleagues today have strengthened our commitment to addressing the needs – and appreciating he opportunities – of Canada's aging population. The development and implementation of policies, programs and resources that engage seniors, and facilitate healthy aging, will not only benefit older adults, but all citizens."– The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development for Newfoundland and LabradorAssociated LinkFederal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum

Media availability following Federal-Provincial-Territorial Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration

Toronto, ON – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Honourable Ian Wishart, Minister of Education and Training for Manitoba, Co-Chairs of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Forum of Ministers responsible for Immigration, will host a media availability following the meeting.

Out-of-town journalists can dial in to listen to the news conference. Please note this will be set up as a listen-only mode line.Please note that lines will be open as of 3:45 p.m.Dial-in numbers for those who would like to listen in English only are as follows:Dial 1-866-206-0153Enter passcode 5470695#

Dial-in numbers for those who would like to listen in French only are as follows:1-866-805-7923Enter passcode 6548697#

Caregivers and Migrant Workers Speaking Out on the Issue of Permanent Residency Backlogs, Work Protection and Mobility.

Caregivers and Migrant Workers speaking out on the issue of Permanent Residency Backlogs, Work Protection and Mobility.

What: Unity Rally- Caregivers, Migrants demand Family Reunification Now and press for Work Protection & Mobility

Where: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.55 St. Clair East, Toronto, OntarioWhen: Friday, September 15th, 2017 – 11:00 am to 12:30 pmDetails:Live-in caregivers must work for two years in Canada before they can apply for permanent residence in Canada. It then takes another 55 months on average to process their applications for permanent residence. Canada’s reliance on cheap, disposable labor has increased through its Temporary Foreign Worker Program while workers in the program continue to be vulnerable, abused and paying the price of separation from their families.Last year the Liberal government announced they would process Family Class spousal sponsorships (applications of Canadian citizens and permanent residents) in 12 months or less. But no measures have been announced for family reunification for refugees or for live-in caregivers.There are approximately 27,000 backlogs in Permanent Residency applications with some dating back to 2007. Ten years of family separation.Join caregivers and advocates this Friday outside the IRCC office to demand faster Family reunification, better job protection and landed status on arrival.Media Coverage is requested